Ups and Downs: Government gall; mayors move meals; and a museum maestro

Friday

Mar 22, 2013 at 12:01 AMMar 22, 2013 at 1:02 PM

In the Hypocrisy of Government Department, a THUMBS DOWN to the loss of revenue to merchants, the number of employees out of work and the amounts of money lost to unused privilege licenses and potential taxes that can’t be recouped as the result of shutting down Internet Sweepstakes businesses. That North Carolina continues to sanction gambling by lottery and on Indian lands surely makes it all the more galling to investors and businessmen who run these sweepstakes enterprises. No one is forced to play, but if the state is going to rig the system by quashing every competitor for the almighty dollar, it doesn’t do much to nourish incentive in business or trust of the taxpayers.

In better news involving government leaders, THUMBS UP to the many elected officials and community leaders who participated in the “Mayors For Meals Day” held by Alamance County Meals On Wheels last week. The volunteers delivered meals to their constituents and other members of the community and maybe learned a lot more about our area as a result.

THUMBS UP to what we hope will be a “keeper” for the Children’s Museum of Alamance County. After a couple of false starts, it seems Kathy Hackshaw may be just the person with the skills to steer the museum into the future. With a background in business, teaching and other museum work, coupled with an effervescent spirit, she should bring plenty of enthusiasm and guidance to the county’s wonderful museum in Graham. The biggest task before her is to secure about a half million dollars to complete several exhibits. Tough job in the current economic climate.

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THUMBS UP to Debbie Jones of Graham, who instituted a “Prom Dress Drive.” The campaign was aimed at providing needy young women with prom dresses, a luxury many might not be able to afford. “I envision all female students being able to enjoy prom in the dress of their dreams and that is why I'm asking the community to help provide prom dresses to girls who would not otherwise be able to afford them,” Jones told us. Although the final deadline for contributing has passed, there will most likely be some smiles on young ladies’ faces this year at prom time.

THUMBS UP to Haw River’s native daughter, Teresa Long, who climbed the ranks of the U.S. Postal Service in Alamance County and has now become nearby Roxboro’s first female and black postmaster. Long always wanted to work for the USPS, and has in Graham, Burlington, Gibsonville, two stations in Raleigh, Carrboro and Cary before landing the Roxboro gig. It’s not often we get to follow the life we want, but it seems Long has slipped into a groove she truly enjoys. “It’s the most fulfilling place I’ve ever worked,” Long said. ‘Nuff said.

THUMBS UP to the “House on the Hill” in Saxapahaw and its owner, Sue Dayton. The house, at 5768 Church Road, was built sometime in the late 1840s and was almost demolished before Dayton decided to purchase and restore it in 2008. Today, the house is a focal point of the community and features Roxy Farms Antiques. Dayton frequently gives public tours of the house and shares the house’s history with visitors. The Alamance County Historic Properties Commission this week recommended the house receive a local landmark designation, which would preserve the house and require approval from the county for any alterations made to the structure.

And THUMBS DOWN to the loss this week of longtime Graham barber Kenneth Wood at age 101. Mr. Wood cut hair since he was 15 years old, continued through his military service, and up to about two weeks shy of his 101st birthday. He was a popular fixture in the county seat and had hundreds of friends and customers. In fact, he’s probably one of our area’s most written about citizens. As Tim Matthews, who runs the Graham Cinema, a neighbor of the barbershop, summed up, “He’s gone to a better place, but we’re going to miss him.”